Looking Back On 2020

Off To Great Start!

2020 started with me doing a 30-day painting challenge. The painting challenge really forced me into my studio where I had to paint every day. I also received a commission to do 3 abstract pieces in January for a client. It was a wonderful start to the year.

The Shift To Something More!

My 4×4 Masterclass finished in December and I wanted to just paint, spend time in my studio exploring abstract ideas. I wanted to rediscover the things I loved about painting, mark-making, collage, lines and so much more. In early February I was intrigued by a free one-week workshop that Nicholas Wilton was running. So of course I signed up for it. I had been following Nick’s Vlog and Art2Life for a few years. That one-week free course was a pivotal moment for me in my art career. After the free course, Nick opened up his online course CVP or Creative Visionary Program.

Arguing For What I Wanted And Believed To Be True!

I remember the day I sat down with my husband to talk to him about CVP. It was a few days prior to the deadline and he wasn’t really enthusiastic about it. He asked me what CVP would do for me, why I felt I needed to take it, and if I did would I really be able to commit to doing the work. I had been painting pretty consistently for about 5 years. Working from home has its difficulties. Life, family, and the dog often provided me with enough of a distraction and a good excuse to avoid doing the one thing I loved. I told my husband that I felt CVP was the one piece of the puzzle I had been missing. CVP would help me make stronger more sophisticated work, work that I would be proud to send to galleries or shows. It would help me with my process, work schedule, daily practice, the business side of art-making. I told him that in one year I would be ready to submit work to galleries, work that I was proud of. That was my goal. I really had no idea what CVP was but trusted Nicholas TeamArtlife.

Everything Changed!

Then COVID hit and we were locked down. Thank God I signed up for CVP!

CVP helped me to make the changes in my art practice and to define who I am as an artist. I was able to complete all 12 weeks, work on 21 panels, and watch most of the bonus content while living with my family and the dog. Not only did CVP help to create daily habits that will move my work forward, but CVP taught me so many things about making my art stronger. Nick and the CVP team have created a course that literally was so much more than I ever expected.

Life After CVP!

I finished CVP in June. The next step was to take a look at how I looked and was perceived in the online world. I am in the process now of changing my website so that it comes closer to reflecting who I am, and it will be ready in early January 2021. The new work I was creating was exciting and was well received by my followers on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter. I have been very fortunate to be in a number of shows this year in Calgary and Vancouver at Federation Gallery. In November 2020 I became one of the artists represented at Arts Aqui in Marda loop here in Calgary.

When Things Change What Do We learn?

I am so grateful for the year I had, the work I made, and how well my family did during these crazy times. My husband and I not only had to figure out new ways to work from home, manage our kids but we also had our parents to consider. My parents are still young and living on their own but Dave’s father was in long-term care. Isolation is a dangerous thing for most people but when you are elderly it can be devastating. My father-in-law was 96 when he passed away on November 23rd. We were very fortunate to have been able to spend this time with him and to be with him for the past few months. Our hearts went out to those families who were unable to be with loved ones at the beginning of lockdown. We are so grateful for the care he received and know how difficult a time they had during covid. My father-in-law was the kindest and the happiest person I knew. Every day he had a smile and a kind word for the people who came in contact with him. I learned a lot from him but these were a few of the most important lessons:

Live every day to the fullest, do what you love and be kind to everyone.

New Years Wish

I wish you all health, prosperity, and well being. I hope you achieve your dreams doing what you love. As well, spread love and kindness to those who need it most. We never know what someone is going through and a kind word can make all the difference.